The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a huge blow to their early season chances when Nick Young tore a thumb ligament while guarding Kobe Bryant. The injury will put Young out for eight weeks and cost the Lakers one of their best scorers.
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Young went in for surgery on Monday and now has a huge cast on his right hand, but that hasn’t stopped his desire to get better as Lakers reporter Mike Trudell reports that Young is focused on improving a couple of things while he’s hurt:
Nick Young said he’s focusing on his conditioning and left hand, with his injured right thumb secured in his cast. pic.twitter.com/2CaIy09d3m
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 11, 2014
These aren’t just words either as Young was seen practicing on the far end of the Lakers practice facility via Evan Barnes of the LA Daily News:
Nick young is warming up on the far court. Arm is still in a sling but he's getting some work in. #Lakers
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) October 11, 2014
Many people see Young as just the ball-hogging scorer who is always laughing and having fun, but his work ethic is extremely impressive as well.
He spent numerous days this off-season working out with Kobe Bryant, learning the finer points of the game, and now he is still trying to improve despite being injured. Many players would gladly take the time off, but Young is using the injury as a chance to improve his game.
All of this points to Young being a much improved player when he does make his way back to the court for the Lakers. An improved Young added to what looks to already be an impressive bench could really take the Lakers to a higher level.
[divide]Lakers Practice: Byron Scott Jokes About Wiping Off Nick Young’s Smile